act_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o knowledge_n be_v a_o assent_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o another_o person_n but_o according_a to_o he_o authority_n be_v no_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n and_o faith_n be_v only_o the_o understanding_n what_o be_v believe_v therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o assent_n distinct_a from_o knowledge_n and_o now_o have_v i_o do_v this_o man_n any_o wrong_n by_o charge_v he_o with_o endeavour_v to_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n in_o the_o face_n of_o a_o christian_a government_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o all_o law_n and_o power_n ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a he_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o faith_n be_v nothing_o more_o than_o understanding_n what_o be_v believe_v i._o e._n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o faith_n distinct_a from_o knowledge_n and_o consequent_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n be_v nothing_o but_o implicit_a assent_n and_o blind_a credulity_n and_o therefore_o here_o again_o i_o will_v deliver_v he_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n not_o move_v by_o any_o heat_n of_o passion_n but_o by_o such_o a_o zeal_n as_o become_v every_o christian_n to_o have_v for_o his_o religion_n but_o here_o he_o plead_v a_o toleration_n but_o 110._o for_o what_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o toleration_n for_o blasphemy_n and_o profaneness_n and_o tho'_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o please_v themselves_o yet_o sure_o they_o may_v be_v restrain_v from_o industrious_o spread_v such_o impious_a notion_n as_o be_v destructive_a of_o all_o religion_n and_o from_o open_o revile_v the_o christian_a faith_n as_o imposture_n and_o implicit_a blind_a credulity_n again_o it_o be_v object_v against_o he_o that_o 140._o his_o notion_n of_o faith_n make_v revelation_n useless_a yes_o it_o do_v for_o tho'_o we_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o the_o proposition_n reveal_v ever_o so_o well_o and_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n speak_v of_o as_o full_o as_o we_o do_v a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n yet_o we_o can_v never_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n because_o that_o after_o all_o be_v do_v we_o must_v take_v this_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o another_o but_o much_o more_o do_v it_o make_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n useless_a because_o we_o have_v no_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o must_v utter_o reject_v they_o all_o upon_o this_o score_n likewise_o but_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v this_o positive_a man_n assert_n here_o what_o he_o have_v be_v assert_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o book_n but_o give_v no_o reason_n for_o that_o revelation_n be_v only_o of_o use_n to_o inform_v we_o whilst_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o subject_n persuade_v we_o then_o reply_v we_o if_o so_o you_o must_v believe_v all_o relation_n true_a or_o false_a indifferent_o when_o you_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o nay_o if_o two_o contrary_a proposition_n equal_o intelligible_a be_v relate_v he_o must_v believe_v they_o both_o and_o therefore_o now_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v take_v it_o ill_o of_o the_o world_n if_o they_o believe_v i_o when_o i_o inform_v they_o that_o this_o book_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n be_v the_o joint_a endeavour_n of_o a_o secret_a club_n who_o set_v themselves_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o industry_n to_o destroy_v all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o they_o have_v make_v use_n of_o this_o man_n as_o a_o tool_n only_o and_o have_v push_v he_o before_o they_o to_o try_v with_o what_o safety_n such_o principle_n as_o these_o may_v be_v open_o avow_v in_o opposition_n to_o all_o that_o be_v establish_v among_o we_o that_o they_o may_v follow_v and_o open_o maintain_v what_o they_o have_v be_v forge_v in_o secret_a cabal_n now_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o whosoever_o read_v this_o must_v believe_v it_o because_o they_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o they_o for_o faith_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o understanding_n what_o be_v believe_v and_o if_o they_o understand_v 139._o what_o be_v speak_v of_o they_o must_v bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o this_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v never_o contradict_v i_o in_o this_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o i_o relate_v of_o he_o for_o if_o he_o say_v the_o contrary_a then_o either_o the_o world_n must_v believe_v we_o both_o when_o we_o relate_v two_o contrary_a proposition_n or_o they_o must_v be_v sway_v one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o by_o his_o authority_n or_o i_o and_o whether_o they_o believe_v he_o or_o i_o it_o will_v sufficient_o confute_v he_o for_o it_o will_v show_v that_o authority_n may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n as_o well_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o information_n if_o they_o believe_v neither_o of_o we_o than_o it_o will_v appear_v they_o be_v not_o under_o such_o a_o necessity_n of_o bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o that_o evidence_n he_o contend_v â—or_a in_o all_o relation_n the_o last_o objection_n he_o raise_v against_o this_o principle_n of_o he_o be_v that_o passage_n 1._o pet._n 2_o 12._o where_o there_o be_v this_o expression_n which_o thing_n the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o the_o thing_n speak_v oâ—_n here_o be_v the_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o time_n present_a that_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o they_o and_o i_o think_v it_o a_o natural_a inference_n from_o hence_o that_o these_o thing_n yet_o be_v mystery_n even_o to_o they_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n which_o we_o need_v not_o much_o wonder_n at_o when_o they_o do_v so_n much_o as_o know_v when_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v be_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v the_o less_o wonder_n they_o be_v mystery_n to_o we_o but_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o this_o expression_n be_v mean_v of_o the_o time_n past_a and_o then_o let_v i_o ask_v he_o these_o two_o â—_z concern_v it_o 1._o whether_o the_o angel_n do_v believe_v those_o thing_n they_o be_v say_v to_o inquire_v into_o or_o no_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v they_o than_o we_o find_v it_o be_v very_o possible_a to_o believe_v thing_n that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v for_o if_o the_o angel_n understand_v they_o full_o when_o they_o believe_v why_o shall_v they_o desire_v to_o search_v into_o they_o 2._o whether_o now_o these_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v he_o will_v assert_v that_o we_o have_v as_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o all_o as_o the_o angel_n have_v if_o we_o have_v not_o than_o we_o may_v believe_v thing_n we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v if_o we_o have_v than_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o bâ—est_a in_o heaven_n at_o least_o in_o respect_n of_o knowledge_n the_o last_o objection_n he_o bring_v against_o 144._o his_o own_o principle_n be_v that_o which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o miracle_n and_o this_o likewise_o be_v so_o strong_a a_o objection_n against_o he_o that_o the_o very_a supposition_n of_o one_o true_a miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n quite_o overthrow_v his_o whole_a book_n for_o 1._o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n mysterious_a and_o therefore_o if_o he_o will_v allow_v these_o thing_n relate_v of_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v true_a miracle_n he_o must_v allow_v there_o be_v mystery_n in_o chrisâ—â—â—nity_n but_o he_o endeavour_v to_o evade_v this_o by_o the_o same_o quibble_n he_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mysterious_a â—â—z_o 145._o by_o say_v the_o miraculous_a action_n muâ—â—_n be_v something_o in_o itself_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a who_o deny_v it_o but_o it_o be_v however_o mysterious_a still_o and_o to_o lay_v open_a this_o fallacy_n we_o must_v distinguish_v the_o two_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o every_o miracle_n and_o 1._o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n perform_v we_o grant_v must_v be_v very_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a for_o as_o he_o say_v contradiction_n be_v only_o another_o word_n for_o impossible_a or_o nothing_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v it_o which_o be_v total_o obscure_v from_o we_o and_o lie_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o our_o capacity_n as_o to_o instance_n in_o that_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n fâ—â—ding_n five_o thousand_o people_n with_o five_o loaf_n we_o understand_v very_o well_o what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n to_o eat_v and_o be_v satisfy_v
tendency_n to_o make_v man_n easy_a and_o pleasant_a and_o useful_a to_o one_o another_o all_o which_o raise_v such_o a_o evidence_n or_o knowledge_n in_o my_o mind_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n who_o reveal_v this_o proposition_n to_o i_o that_o i_o must_v do_v violence_n to_o my_o reason_n if_o i_o do_v not_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o and_o thus_o far_o it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o and_o strict_o a_o mystery_n but_o when_o i_o think_v of_o this_o proposition_n again_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n i_o must_v own_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o i_o have_v no_o knowledge_n at_o all_o of_o that_o eternal_a generation_n which_o i_o form_n a_o improper_a idea_n of_o from_o the_o procreation_n of_o one_o man_n from_o another_o nor_o have_v i_o any_o notion_n of_o this_o wonderful_a union_n of_o the_o human_a nature_n with_o the_o divinity_n nor_o can_v i_o in_o the_o least_o imagine_v wherein_o this_o equality_n consist_v these_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o my_o capacity_n and_o total_o obscure_v from_o i_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o make_v it_o a_o mystery_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o part_n of_o it_o the_o authority_n or_o veracity_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o my_o persuasion_n and_o my_o christian_a faith_n of_o this_o article_n consist_v in_o thus_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o when_o he_o have_v take_v care_n to_o give_v i_o undoubted_a testimony_n of_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o he_o and_o i_o trust_v he_o will_v accept_v of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v no_o rash_a inconsiderate_a assent_n but_o that_o i_o use_v those_o power_n of_o knowledge_n i_o have_v as_o strict_o and_o impartial_o in_o this_o as_o i_o will_v do_v in_o any_o affair_n which_o immediate_o concern_v my_o life_n and_o thus_o i_o hope_v it_o plain_o appear_v how_o little_a reason_n these_o people_n have_v to_o talk_v to_o we_o of_o a_o blind_a implicit_a assent_n or_o easy_a credulity_n since_o in_o our_o christian_a faith_n we_o proceed_v upon_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o build_v our_o assent_n upon_o no_o foundation_n but_o what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v firm_a and_o now_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o book_n i_o shall_v repeat_v in_o short_a the_o principle_n he_o lay_v down_o â—or_a himself_o to_o go_v upon_o in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a book_n which_o he_o threaten_v the_o world_n with_o the_o whole_a sum_n of_o his_o logic_n in_o short_a then_o be_v this_o 1._o evidence_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n i._n e._n you_o can_v never_o give_v your_o assent_n even_o to_o the_o reality_n or_o existence_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o when_o you_o know_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o you_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o comprehend_v it_o as_o full_o and_o perfect_o as_o that_o 2_o and_o 3_o make_v 5._o which_o be_v plain_o to_o say_v you_o can_v never_o believe_v any_o thing_n but_o when_o it_o be_v so_o clear_o know_v to_o you_o that_o you_o can_v help_v believe_v it_o for_o no_o man_n can_v hinder_v his_o assent_n to_o a_o thing_n he_o know_v perfect_o well_o as_o no_o man_n can_v help_v believe_v that_o 2_o and_o 2_o make_v 4._o a_o thing_n may_v be_v very_o true_a indeed_o and_o you_o not_o believe_v it_o but_o if_o this_o truth_n be_v evident_a to_o you_o your_o assent_n must_v necessary_o follow_v so_o that_o you_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o when_o you_o can_v help_v it_o and_o when_o you_o can_v avoid_v it_o than_o you_o must_v believe_v it_o 22._o for_o god_n have_v take_v it_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o dissent_v from_o a_o evident_a proposition_n and_o our_o kind_a disposer_n have_v put_v we_o under_o 23._o a_o law_n of_o bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o evidence_n and_o therefore_o this_o man_n must_v make_v such_o a_o idol_n of_o it_o as_o total_o to_o exclude_v all_o deefrence_n or_o assent_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o true_a god_n for_o another_o principle_n of_o he_o be_v 2._o that_o authority_n be_v only_o a_o mean_n of_o information_n i._n e._n you_o can_v believe_v neither_o god_n nor_o man_n upon_o their_o word_n for_o they_o can_v only_o relate_v a_o thing_n to_o you_o but_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v influence_n your_o mind_n to_o a_o assent_n so_o that_o to_o speak_v plain_o it_o be_v all_o one_o in_o respect_n of_o your_o assent_n whether_o god_n or_o man_n or_o the_o devil_n tell_v you_o a_o thing_n for_o tho'_o you_o be_v convince_v that_o god_n always_o tell_v truth_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o liar_n yet_o still_o you_o believe_v the_o thing_n never_o the_o more_o because_o it_o come_v from_o god_n alas_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o the_o case_n no_o you_o must_v bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o evidence_n only_o but_o suppose_v god_n and_o the_o devil_n speak_v two_o contrary_a proposition_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o eve_n in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o diego_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o sure_o diego_n the_o word_n of_o these_o two_o proposition_n be_v equal_o clear_a to_o she_o she_o understand_v the_o substance_n of_o they_o alike_o and_o her_o idea_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o be_v equal_o clear_a and_o distinct_a what_o then_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o her_o assent_n to_o the_o latter_a it_o can_v not_o be_v evidence_n for_o according_a to_o he_o both_o these_o proposition_n have_v equal_a pretence_n to_o her_o die_v assent_n upon_o this_o score_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o remain_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o her_o assent_n but_o the_o authority_n either_o of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o find_v by_o sad_a experience_n it_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o latter_a that_o sway_v she_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a she_o have_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o evidence_n or_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o former_a proposition_n because_o she_o knâ—w_v it_o come_v from_o god_n who_o can_v not_o lie_v and_o yet_o we_o find_v she_o rebel_v against_o this_o evidence_n whereas_o have_v she_o be_v under_o such_o a_o necessity_n of_o bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o evidence_n she_o will_v not_o in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v transgress_v as_o she_o do_v and_o then_o he_o have_v not_o now_o be_v fall_v down_o thus_o prostrate_a to_o igno_fw-la rance_n and_o error_n that_o which_o show_v the_o ridiculousness_n of_o these_o two_o principle_n be_v that_o upon_o they_o we_o can_v never_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v tho'_o it_o be_v the_o next_o hour_n for_o tho'_o we_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v concern_v any_o of_o the_o most_o familiar_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n so_o that_o you_o have_v the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n foretell_v yet_o unless_o you_o will_v allow_v authority_n to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n you_o can_v never_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o knowledge_n or_o evidence_n of_o this_o till_o the_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v so_o that_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o assent_n but_o the_o veracity_n or_o authority_n of_o some_o person_n or_o another_o and_o thus_o he_o utter_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o all_o prophecy_n for_o tho'_o they_o may_v be_v true_a yet_o we_o can_v never_o believe_v they_o so_o till_o the_o relation_n be_v evident_a to_o we_o and_o this_o can_v never_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o till_o the_o thing_n actual_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o short_a way_n of_o destroy_v the_o credit_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n speak_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v i_o say_v before_o that_o in_o divine_a proposition_n evidence_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o relation_n itself_o or_o act_v of_o revelation_n and_o here_o i_o say_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o very_a same_o authority_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n they_o be_v both_o true_a and_o therefore_o to_o make_v this_o whole_a discourse_n more_o clear_a and_o prevent_v all_o mistake_n as_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a i_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o show_v the_o diffe_n rinse_v between_o divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o every_o revelation_n 1
as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n be_v upon_o equal_a term_n they_o must_v be_v both_o intelligible_a alike_o and_o thus_o far_o evidence_n or_o knowledge_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o each_o of_o they_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o many_o case_n they_o both_o agree_v in_o this_o too_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v equal_o intelligible_a for_o some_o of_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v thing_n as_o knowable_a by_o we_o as_o the_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o reveal_v mystery_n divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n be_v direct_o opposite_a for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n in_o one_o must_v be_v always_o intelligible_a but_o in_o the_o other_o it_o be_v total_o obscure_v but_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n itself_o or_o the_o very_a act_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v this_o difference_n that_o in_o all_o human_a revelation_n authority_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n because_o no_o mere_a man_n can_v give_v any_o proof_n which_o shall_v amount_v to_o more_o than_o a_o probability_n or_o strong_a presumption_n but_o in_o divine_a proposition_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n be_v found_v both_o upon_o evidence_n and_o authority_n 1._o upon_o evidence_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o testimony_n which_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a as_o prophecy_n or_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o create_v a_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n beyond_o what_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v have_v of_o any_o relation_n mere_o human._n two_o upon_o authority_n as_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o direct_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o any_o direct_a or_o immediate_a intuition_n so_o that_o these_o testimony_n be_v only_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n and_o then_o we_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o pure_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o veracity_n a_o three_o principle_n of_o he_o be_v that_o 3._o divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n differ_v not_o as_o to_o perspicuity_n i._n e._n you_o must_v understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n in_o divine_a proposition_n as_o well_o 42._o as_o human_a for_o as_o for_o unintelligible_a relation_n we_o can_v no_o more_o believe_v they_o from_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n than_o from_o that_o of_o man._n a_o very_a subtle_a piece_n of_o logic_n indeed_o if_o he_o have_v design_v no_o more_o than_o he_o speak_v but_o he_o have_v a_o far_a drift_n in_o it_o he_o know_v it_o be_v not_o every_o reader_n will_v distinguish_v between_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n which_o we_o grant_v must_v be_v equal_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a in_o both_o in_o order_n to_o a_o assent_n and_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n always_o carry_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspicuity_n because_o of_o that_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n occasion_v by_o such_o proof_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o give_v what_o i_o speak_v of_o this_o before_o i_o level_v at_o his_o design_n rather_o than_o his_o word_n as_o i_o be_o force_v to_o do_v in_o several_a other_o instance_n but_o he_o will_v say_v perhaps_o these_o proof_n may_v make_v the_o revelation_n more_o certain_a but_o not_o more_o clear_a i_o grant_v they_o do_v explain_v the_o word_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o proof_n make_v the_o revelation_n never_o the_o more_o true_a or_o certain_a in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o we_o they_o make_v it_o more_o certain_a and_o to_o make_v a_o revelation_n more_o certain_a in_o respect_n of_o we_o be_v to_o make_v it_o more_o clear_a and_o that_o be_v to_o add_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspicuiry_n to_o it_o 4._o we_o can_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o i._n e_fw-la we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v the_o immediate_a perception_n of_o sense_n or_o demonstration_n for_o or_o know_v by_o direct_a and_o immediate_a intuition_n such_o stuff_n as_o this_o he_o lay_v down_o for_o logic_n and_o if_o you_o will_v argue_v with_o he_o it_o must_v be_v in_o his_o own_o method_n and_o upon_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o you_o but_o if_o you_o put_v he_o out_o of_o his_o bias_n and_o keep_v he_o to_o plain_a undisguised_a reason_n and_o the_o receive_a rule_n of_o argue_v you_o spoil_v he_o quite_o now_o by_o this_o time_n who_o so_o blind_a as_o not_o to_o see_v that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o now_o i_o have_v thus_o bring_v this_o man_n out_o of_o the_o cloud_n i_o need_v not_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o stripe_v he_o of_o his_o disguise_n for_o the_o inference_n he_o will_v have_v people_n make_v from_o these_o principle_n be_v so_o glare_v and_o open_a that_o every_o body_n may_v see_v they_o if_o authority_n be_v no_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n than_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o revelation_n or_o prophecy_n and_o if_o we_o must_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o then_o farewell_n all_o religion_n both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v for_o we_o know_v all_o religion_n natural_a and_o reveal_v be_v â—ounded_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o now_o to_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o these_o as_o we_o have_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n but_o we_o infer_v these_o truth_n only_o from_o those_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n and_o therefore_o upon_o his_o principle_n we_o must_v utter_o reject_v they_o all_o and_o then_o since_o by_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n he_o mean_v as_o exact_v and_o clear_v a_o notion_n as_o we_o have_v even_o of_o sensible_a object_n in_o one_o sentence_n he_o exclude_v all_o assent_n even_o to_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o respect_v another_o world_n and_o reject_v all_o those_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o bible_n as_o so_o many_o dream_n and_o fiction_n thus_o we_o must_v disbelieve_v the_o resurrection_n and_o change_n of_o our_o body_n the_o happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n the_o incarnation_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n nay_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n because_o as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v we_o have_v not_o such_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n he_o can_v not_o but_o see_v this_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v this_o be_v his_o drift_n but_o he_o do_v not_o consider_v atthe_v same_o time_n that_o this_o will_v cut_v off_o all_o assent_n to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o god_n and_o tho'_o i_o be_o full_o convince_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n to_o reveal_v religion_n that_o have_v late_o appear_v in_o print_n however_o i_o can_v scarce_o think_v he_o be_v arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o atheism_n yet_o as_o to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n tho'_o he_o have_v not_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a a_o idea_n of_o he_o as_o he_o have_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n as_o for_o his_o second_o section_n it_o be_v all_o 2._o foreign_a to_o the_o matter_n and_o all_o that_o he_o say_v about_o seem_a contradiction_n be_v plain_o level_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n tho'_o transubstantiation_n be_v the_o instance_n he_o make_v use_v of_o and_o he_o proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o fundamental_a error_n he_o have_v hitherto_o do_v that_o we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o we_o say_v as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o there_o be_v 25._o nothing_o contrary_a to_o reason_n in_o the_o gospel_n 26._o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o it_o that_o christianity_n 46._o be_v a_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o insist_o upon_o in_o this_o section_n and_o go_v a_o
i_o have_v for_o it_o or_o according_a as_o i_o weigh_v and_o consider_v they_o 2._o the_o subject_a of_o faith_n must_v be_v intelligible_a 134._o to_o all_o since_o the_o belief_n thereof_o be_v command_v under_o no_o less_o a_o penalty_n than_o damnation_n who_o doubt_v it_o let_v he_o if_o he_o can_v produce_v one_o proposition_n we_o believe_v which_o be_v not_o intelligible_a but_o because_o we_o do_v full_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n speak_v of_o be_v we_o therefore_o whole_o ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o &_o must_v we_o reject_v it_o all_o as_o fallacy_n &_o imposture_n if_o it_o be_v say_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mark_v 16_o 16._o then_o what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o that_o take_v all_o this_o pain_n to_o show_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o faith_n especial_o since_o the_o belief_n there_o mean_v be_v something_o plain_o distinct_a from_o knowledge_n for_o sure_o he_o do_v not_o think_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o text_n be_v this_o he_o that_o have_v not_o as_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n reveal_v as_o he_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n shall_v be_v damn_a which_o be_v all_o his_o notion_n of_o faith_n again_o 3._o if_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v unintelligible_a 135._o it_o can_v never_o be_v right_o translate_v a_o very_a wise_a observation_n who_o ever_o question_v it_o but_o as_o i_o have_v show_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o have_v a_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o they_o as_o i_o understand_v very_o well_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o tho'_o i_o be_o whole_o ignorant_a wherein_o this_o likeness_n will_v consist_v â—o_o that_o i_o can_v however_o translate_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o proposition_n exact_o and_o perfect_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v such_o wretch_n as_o he_o who_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a that_o plentiful_o furnish_v the_o atheistical_a and_o profane_a with_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o objection_n against_o scripture_n but_o i_o hope_v in_o time_n god_n will_v put_v it_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o our_o governor_n to_o remedy_v these_o disorder_n 4._o except_o faith_n signify_v a_o intelligible_a 136._o persuasion_n we_o can_v give_v other_o a_o reason_n of_o our_o hope_n it_o be_v very_o true_a it_o be_v a_o intelligible_a persuasion_n and_o ground_v upon_o the_o strict_a reason_n but_o he_o with_o a_o hardy_a confidence_n open_o pretend_v that_o we_o deny_v people_n be_v to_o examine_v and_o understand_v their_o faith_n and_o so_o run_v into_o a_o comparison_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o idol_n of_o the_o siamese_n upon_o our_o principle_n now_o he_o be_v past_o all_o reason_n and_o modesty_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v here_o but_o deliver_v he_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o governor_n we_o may_v confute_v his_o error_n but_o it_o be_v they_o only_o can_v suppress_v his_o insolence_n we_o only_o can_v endeavour_v to_o heal_v those_o who_o be_v already_o infect_v it_o be_v they_o alone_o can_v hinder_v the_o infection_n from_o spread_v far_o 5._o that_o either_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o 137._o write_v more_o intelligible_o of_o the_o repute_a mystery_n or_o they_o will_v not_o i_o answer_v that_o all_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v of_o these_o real_a mystery_n they_o have_v make_v so_o plain_a that_o they_o can_v not_o neither_o need_v they_o have_v make_v they_o more_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a as_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o they_o they_o know_v as_o little_a of_o it_o as_o we_o do_v and_o therefore_o we_o do_v rail_v at_o they_o as_o he_o do_v at_o all_o the_o clergy_n as_o if_o they_o have_v industrious_o conceal_v any_o thing_n from_o we_o which_o they_o know_v themselves_o he_o go_v on_o '_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o god_n have_v a_o right_a to_o require_v the_o assent_n of_o his_o creature_n to_o what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v yes_o he_o have_v and_o according_o do_v require_v it_o and_o again_o i_o say_v it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o affirm_v that_o in_o this_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o tyranny_n as_o only_o become_v the_o devil_n he_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n the_o trinity_n of_o person_n and_o divinity_n of_o christ_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n and_o change_n of_o they_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n tho'_o we_o can_v comprehend_v they_o and_o yet_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o act_v like_o a_o tyrant_n in_o this_o that_o he_o act_n like_o a_o merciful_a god_n and_o a_o tender_a father_n for_o he_o herein_o condescend_v to_o our_o capacity_n and_o reveal_v the_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o future_a state_n of_o heaven_n to_o we_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v they_o and_o promise_v that_o if_o they_o have_v that_o influence_n upon_o we_o which_o he_o design_n i._n e_fw-la to_o excite_v our_o gratitude_n and_o make_v we_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a he_o will_v at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n give_v we_o capacity_n to_o see_v they_o clear_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o so_o that_o these_o mystery_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v at_o last_o but_o not_o till_o we_o come_v to_o another_o world_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o reveal_v they_o only_o to_o puzzle_v our_o head_n but_o for_o wise_a and_o 138._o excellent_a end_n viz._n to_o bring_v mankind_n to_o salvation_n by_o such_o method_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o nature_n from_o all_o these_o observation_n he_o con_v 139._o clude_v that_o to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n above_o reason_n in_o his_o sense_n be_v contradictory_n 1._o to_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n whereas_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a that_o upon_o this_o supposition_n there_o can_v be_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o either_o natural_a or_o reveal_v 2._o to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n i._n e._n because_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v what_o he_o know_v nothing_o of_o but_o this_o quibble_n i_o have_v sufficient_o remove_v and_o 3._o to_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o as_o he_o intimate_v before_o be_v as_o much_o a_o tyrant_n as_o the_o devil_n for_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n we_o can_v comprehend_v if_o god_n have_v require_v we_o to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o what_o we_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o he_o will_v have_v require_v impossibility_n if_o he_o have_v require_v we_o to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o what_o we_o have_v no_o proof_n or_o evidence_n for_o he_o will_v have_v require_v what_o be_v unreasonable_a but_o when_o he_o adapt_n the_o revelation_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v to_o our_o capacity_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v apprehend_v clear_o and_o full_o it_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o when_o he_o require_v no_o assent_n from_o we_o without_o sufficient_a argument_n of_o conviction_n to_o any_o consider_v unprejudiced_a person_n it_o be_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o these_o revelation_n of_o thing_n above_o our_o reason_n to_o comprehend_v as_o they_o be_v most_o powerful_a incitement_n to_o gratitude_n here_o so_o they_o will_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n hereafter_o when_o the_o veil_n be_v perfect_o remove_v and_o that_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o apprehend_v they_o clear_o now_o after_o all_o this_o pain_n to_o show_v that_o 139._o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o faith_n distinct_a from_o knowledge_n he_o say_v this_o will_v be_v object_v against_o he_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n of_o it_o this_o will_v be_v ever_o object_v against_o he_o till_o he_o recant_v his_o error_n public_o but_o how_o do_v he_o endeavour_v to_o evade_v it_o why._n that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o present_a &_o immediate_a view_n oâ—_n a_o thing_n be_v not_o faith_n he_o say_v well_o but_o what_o be_v faith_n be_v only_o the_o understanding_n what_o be_v believe_v he_o will_v stand_v by_o it_o with_o soul_n and_o body_n that_o faith_n be_v nothing_o else_o that_o the_o understanding_n what_o be_v believe_v be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o faith_n no_o one_o deny_v but_o any_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n may_v see_v that_o this_o and_o the_o other_o definition_n be_v the_o same_o for_o pray_v what_o be_v understanding_n what_o be_v believe_v but_o have_v a_o present_a immediate_a knowledge_n of_o it_o unless_o he_o will_v say_v a_o man_n can_v believe_v a_o thing_n till_o he_o have_v forget_v he_o know_v it_o that_o which_o constitute_v the_o formal_a
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thing_n till_o he_o have_v perplex_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n and_o amuse_v his_o reader_n with_o fantastical_a term_n and_o distinction_n if_o he_o have_v mean_v honest_o and_o think_v himself_o able_a to_o go_v through_o with_o what_o he_o undertake_v he_o will_v have_v speak_v plain_a undisguised_a reason_n and_o proceed_v immediate_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o question_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o he_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o spend_v above_o one_o three_o of_o his_o book_n in_o lose_v of_o it_o wherefore_o i_o must_v take_v my_o leave_n of_o it_o for_o some_o time_n as_o he_o do_v to_o rescue_v the_o subject_n from_o obscurity_n and_o force_v this_o man_n to_o speak_v plain_o and_o intelligible_o and_o first_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o reason_n be_v 10_o not_o the_o man_n that_o have_v it_o nor_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v reason_v about_o nor_o be_v it_o our_o appetite_n and_o desire_n nor_o be_v it_o authority_n what_o trifle_v this_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v add_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o head_n that_o form_v the_o thought_n nor_o the_o finger_n that_o write_v they_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o brain_n itself_o no_o nor_o be_v my_o reason_n the_o reason_n of_o another_o man._n our_o reader_n be_v like_a to_o be_v much_o the_o wise_a for_o this_o after_o this_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v 11._o what_o it_o be_v in_o his_o second_o chapter_n the_o whole_a substance_n of_o which_o in_o other_o word_n be_v only_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o simplex_n apprehensio_fw-la nor_o judicium_fw-la but_o that_o it_o be_v discursus_fw-la that_o be_v proper_o call_v reason_n which_o last_o he_o will_v not_o express_v by_o syllogism_n the_o word_n for_o it_o that_o be_v common_o receive_v but_o he_o must_v call_v it_o the_o application_n of_o intermediate_v idea_n to_o other_o idea_n that_o be_v distant_a from_o one_o 13._o another_o and_o lie_v too_o far_o asunder_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o this_o he_o explain_v by_o the_o measure_n of_o two_o house_n with_o a_o line_n because_o you_o can_v take_v one_o house_n in_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o other_o in_o another_o and_o so_o clap_v they_o together_o to_o find_v out_o which_o be_v high_a what_o be_v this_o but_o make_v a_o syllogism_n by_o apply_v the_o medius_n terminus_n to_o the_o part_n of_o the_o question_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v all_o this_o unless_o he_o think_v that_o his_o reader_n have_v not_o learned_a logic_n yes_o he_o have_v a_o drift_n in_o it_o which_o be_v very_o observable_a in_o all_o our_o modern_a writer_n against_o reveal_v religion_n for_o unless_o he_o first_o lay_v down_o false_a rule_n of_o reason_v the_o consequence_n he_o will_v make_v will_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a tho'_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n of_o it_o thus_o far_o and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o every_o common_a logic_n yet_o what_o follow_v be_v his_o own_o and_o be_v both_o trifle_a and_o false_a for_o first_o his_o four_o way_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v very_o ill_o put_v together_o and_o the_o distinction_n frivolous_a the_o experience_n of_o the_o sense_n 18._o the_o experience_n of_o the_o mind_n i._n e._n in_o usual_a speak_n sense_n and_o reason_n human_n and_o divine_a revelation_n now_o at_o first_o sight_n who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o any_o revelation_n by_o god_n or_o man_n must_v enter_v into_o the_o mind_n by_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n either_o by_o our_o sense_n or_o our_o reason_n so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o these_o two_o way_n still_o and_o then_o as_o to_o his_o make_a authority_n 16._o a_o mean_n only_o of_o information_n and_o answer_v evidence_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a error_n of_o his_o book_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o these_o modern_a writer_n who_o make_v such_o a_o stir_n about_o reason_n and_o evidence_n we_o shall_v see_v the_o falsity_n of_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v authority_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v inform_v and_o of_o he_o who_o give_v the_o information_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v inform_v i_o grant_v it_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o information_n for_o how_o come_v any_o one_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o thing_n he_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o before_o and_o which_o he_o can_v not_o attain_v of_o himself_o why_o by_o a_o other_o reveal_v it_o to_o he_o 2._o when_o consider_v in_o the_o informer_n it_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n for_o why_o do_v i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o any_o proposition_n relate_v to_o i_o from_o another_o because_o of_o the_o veracity_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o person_n that_o make_v the_o information_n but_o this_o cunning_a man_n will_v ask_v how_o can_v that_o which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o another_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o any_o assent_n in_o my_o mind_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v the_o opinion_n that_o be_v in_o i_o of_o his_o ability_n and_o veracity_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o my_o assent_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o opinion_n indeed_o be_v evidence_n but_o then_o this_o evidence_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o person_n only_o and_o that_o worth_a or_o authority_n of_o he_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v to_o i_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o though_o we_o grant_v that_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a ground_n and_o therefore_o to_o make_v this_o very_a clear_a and_o undeniable_a let_v we_o take_v a_o instance_n of_o two_o proposition_n wherein_o these_o two_o ground_n may_v be_v consider_v separately_z the_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o in_o a_o person_n who_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v this_o proposition_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o his_o persuasion_n or_o assent_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mind_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o it_o be_v because_o he_o find_v out_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o extreme_n by_o intermediate_v idea_n and_o thus_o as_o he_o speak_v the_o demonstration_n at_o last_o become_v self_n evident_a but_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o proposition_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n relate_v it_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n for_o as_o i_o shall_v never_o have_v know_v this_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v reveal_v and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n authority_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o information_n so_o i_o shall_v never_o have_v believe_v it_o if_o i_o have_v not_o know_v that_o this_o revelation_n have_v come_v from_o god_n and_o
therefore_o authority_n consider_v in_o the_o revealer_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o proposition_n but_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a we_o must_v consider_v that_o all_o natural_a truth_n which_o do_v not_o necessary_o require_v revelation_n need_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o evidence_n but_o those_o which_o do_v have_v both_o these_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n evidence_n and_o authority_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o distinguish_v the_o three_o thing_n in_o every_o relation_n 1._o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o the_o relation_n itself_o or_o the_o very_a act_n of_o revelation_n 3._o the_o they_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o any_o proposition_n evidence_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n for_o why_o do_v i_o believe_v this_o proposition_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o because_o i_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o because_o there_o be_v a_o evidence_n in_o my_o mind_n of_o its_o come_n from_o god_n from_o those_o proof_n to_o my_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o argue_v the_o divine_a mission_n of_o the_o person_n who_o relate_v it_o and_o consequent_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o relation_n itself_o but_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o proposition_n authority_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o all_o relation_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v now_o plain_a how_o 128._o divine_a and_o human_a authority_n differ_v as_o well_o in_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n as_o of_o certitude_n and_o why_o because_o when_o a_o mere_a man_n relate_v any_o thing_n to_o i_o tho'_o i_o allow_v the_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o give_v such_o proof_n to_o my_o sense_n and_o my_o reason_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v as_o god_n can_v and_o therefore_o can_v raise_v so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o my_o mind_n though_o i_o suppose_v this_o man_n relation_n to_o be_v true_a so_o that_o this_o relation_n of_o he_o and_o one_o of_o god_n shall_v be_v upon_o equal_a term_n as_o to_o certitude_n be_v both_o alike_o true_a yet_o this_o assent_n of_o i_o to_o what_o the_o man_n relate_v be_v more_o precarious_a and_o worse_o found_v than_o my_o faith_n of_o any_o divine_a proposition_n because_o this_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a as_o have_v a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o the_o other_o want_v it_o i_o shall_v make_v this_o plain_a by_o a_o instance_n a_o man_n tell_v i_o that_o rome_n be_v swallow_v up_o by_o a_o earthquake_n i_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n that_o i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o and_o believe_v it_o firm_o let_v we_o suppose_v afterward_o that_o god_n reveal_v this_o same_o to_o i_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n allow_v the_o ability_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n for_o then_o both_o god_n and_o he_o tell_v truth_n in_o this_o but_o if_o god_n confirm_v the_o relation_n by_o a_o miracle_n this_o shall_v raise_v a_o evidence_n or_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o my_o mind_n beyond_o any_o thing_n the_o man_n be_v able_a to_o effect_v and_o consequent_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n from_o god_n make_v it_o clear_a and_o give_v it_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspicuity_n than_o it_o have_v before_o but_o it_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o clear_a that_o authority_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n proceed_v from_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n now_o all_o truth_n in_o themselves_o be_v equal_o evident_a but_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o they_o be_v not_o so_o for_o some_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v distinct_o and_o some_o we_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v not_o suit_v to_o our_o present_a capacity_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n or_o of_o that_o part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v suit_v to_o our_o present_a capacity_n evidence_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o suit_v to_o our_o capacity_n as_o we_o have_v see_v authority_n be_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o we_o may_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o many_o proposition_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n why_o then_o say_v he_o a_o man_n shall_v believe_v what_o he_o do_v not_o know_v and_o that_o be_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o this_o be_v a_o quibble_n and_o to_o remove_v it_o effectual_o let_v we_o take_v up_o the_o same_o proposition_n again_o the_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o it_o be_v plain_a a_o man_n who_o know_v what_o a_o triangle_n be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o angle_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o another_o may_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v utter_o impossible_a ever_o to_o beat_v the_o demonstration_n into_o his_o head_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o comprehend_v it_o yet_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o his_o assent_n be_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o person_n who_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o a_o divine_a proposition_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o any_o one_o who_o know_v what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o body_n to_o be_v raise_v and_o for_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v like_o another_o may_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o know_v wherein_o this_o likeness_n will_v consist_v or_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o this_o proposition_n and_o no_o evidence_n be_v necessary_a any_o far_a than_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n itself_o so_o groundless_a be_v that_o main_a principle_n of_o he_o that_o a_o man_n can_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o he_o comprehend_v whereas_o the_o contrary_a be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o light_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v but_o far_o from_o this_o supposition_n of_o he_o that_o authority_n be_v only_o a_o mean_n of_o information_n and_o evidence_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n these_o two_o absurdity_n will_v direct_o follow_v 1._o that_o a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v deceive_v in_o any_o thing_n for_o if_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o perwasion_n a_o man_n can_v never_o give_v his_o assent_n but_o where_o there_o be_v this_o evidence_n for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a cause_n the_o effect_n can_v never_o proceed_v but_o from_o that_o cause_n and_o what_o be_v evident_a ay_o e_o what_o be_v true_o know_v can_v never_o deceive_v he_o have_v no_o way_n of_o evade_n this_v but_o by_o say_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n be_v the_o give_v assent_n where_o there_o be_v none_o or_o not_o sufficient_a evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o destroy_v every_o thing_n he_o say_v upon_o this_o head_n for_o this_o suppose_n that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o other_o cause_n of_o assent_n beside_o evidence_n but_o if_o we_o suppose_v evidence_n to_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o assent_n than_o it_o must_v vary_v in_o degree_n together_o with_o its_o cause_n so_o that_o a_o clear_a evidence_n shall_v have_v a_o firm_a assent_n and_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o evidence_n shall_v have_v but_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o assent_n so_o that_o still_o a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v deceive_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o in_o any_o degree_n and_o for_o he_o to_o say_v that_o we_o may_v think_v we_o have_v this_o evidence_n when_o we_o have_v it_o not_o be_v still_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o ground_n of_o assent_n nay_o worse_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v evident_a to_o we_o and_o not_o evident_a at_o the_o same_o time_n 2._o it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o person_n either_o god_n or_o man_n can_v be_v believe_v on_o their_o word_n for_o what_o they_o relate_v be_v evident_a to_o the_o mind_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o that_o evidence_n and_o not_o to_o the_o person_n who_o relate_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a ay_o e_o according_a to_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o perfect_o he_o must_v utter_o reject_v it_o and_o thus_o in_o a_o few_o word_n he_o destroy_v